Unprecedented glacial flooding wreaks havoc in Alaska’s capital city
Over the weekend, Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, experienced unprecedented glacial flooding that swept away two homes and caused severe damage to others. Officials reported that no injuries have been reported so far, but floodwaters also took part of a third home and caused “significant undermining” damage to a condominium building. The flooding is directly linked to a specific glacial phenomenon surrounding the 3,000-year-old Mendenhall Glacier, which draws tourists from around the world.
Although flooding from the glacier has been occurring every summer since 2011, this weekend’s overflow shattered previous water level records by nearly three feet. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Park described the situation as “pretty devastating for the community” and stated that it exceeded their expectations. Scientists are still studying this decade-old phenomenon and trying to understand its causes.
The violent flooding originates from a basin located above the Mendenhall Glacier. Meteorologists and hydrologists were initially puzzled as to why the river was rushing when there had been no rain. However, they discovered that the basin’s pressure was strong enough to push water through the glacier and into Mendenhall Lake, posing a new flooding threat to the community. Each year, the basin fills until the pressure forces the water to find a way out, often causing significant damage.
Since 2011, scientists have been monitoring the basin to track the annual releases. However, this year’s flooding was historic, with the Mendenhall Lake gauge reaching a level of 14.97 feet, surpassing the previous record of 11.99 feet set in July 2016. The lake’s water level has since receded, but the severity of future flooding events remains uncertain.
While it is unclear if this phenomenon can be attributed to climate change, scientists have noted that the frequency of extreme weather events is increasing due to human-influenced climate change. As cities worldwide grapple with the new normal of extreme weather, Juneau is now faced with the challenge of adapting to the annual glacial flooding.
The flooding has had ripple effects beyond property damage. Several homes that rely on oil had their fuel tanks swept away, prompting the city to seek assistance from the Coast Guard and state environmental agencies to prevent any potential spills. City officials declared a local state of emergency on Sunday, and crews are currently working to safeguard roads and bridges affected by the flooding.
The recurring nature of the flooding poses a significant challenge for residents, scientists, and city leaders. While the flooding is expected to happen every year, the severity remains unpredictable until shortly before the waters rush in. Juneau Deputy City Manager Robert Barr expressed the difficulty in preventing such events, stating, ”There’s not much we can do from a prevention point of view.”
What steps are being taken by local authorities and communities to mitigate the impact of glacial flooding and protect vulnerable areas in Juneau
Significant rainfall. However, they soon discovered that the flooding was due to a glacial dam release. A glacial dam forms when meltwater from the glacier accumulates and blocks the path of the river, creating a temporary reservoir. Eventually, the pressure from the water builds up and breaks through the ice dam, causing a sudden and powerful flood.
The Mendenhall Glacier has been experiencing accelerated melting due to rising temperatures caused by climate change. As the glacier melts, it releases large amounts of meltwater into the surrounding area. This increased meltwater flow, combined with the formation of glacial dams, has led to the more frequent and intense flooding events seen in Juneau.
The impact of the flooding on the affected homes and buildings has been severe. The homes that were swept away have been completely destroyed, and the remaining structures have been left with significant damage. Efforts are now underway to assess the extent of the damage and provide support to the affected residents.
Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and prepare for future flooding events. They are working on improving monitoring and warning systems to provide timely information and ensure the safety of the community. Additionally, discussions are underway on potential measures to mitigate the impact of the glacial flooding, such as building levees or diversion channels.
The unprecedented glacial flooding in Juneau serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing effects of climate change. As glaciers continue to melt at an alarming rate, communities around the world are facing increased risks from glacial outburst floods. It is crucial for governments, scientists, and communities to come together and develop strategies to adapt to these changing conditions and protect vulnerable areas.
